ATOM RPG: Trudograd

While Atom RPG was fun, but generally quite rough around the edges, the Trudograd is a massive improvement ultimately in every way - better dialogs, graphics (the snow looks great!), map design, combat, QoL improvements, well everything - finally the post-soviet wastelands look like they should. Although it an expansion, it quite loosely connected to the previous title, so you may risk playing it first - I think it's much more new player friendly. If you are importing character from Atom RPG, I would suggest setting difficulty on expert (default)- on normal it was too easy. So take some warm clothes and see you in Trudograd :)

COmpleted first playthrough, 35 h. This is a nice mix of Fallout + Stalker + some post apo craziness the likes you see in Wasteland series. Takes all the best elements from these games. Pros: - Combat and crafting system expanded compared to ATOM: RPG - UI and AI improvements - Speech relevent again compared to some other roleplaying games. I was able to power through loads of quests and solve them peacefully without firing a bullet. - Minigames! Minor rewards for playing those, nice touch giving you something to do. - NPC's! Almost all of them are relevent. Either start a quest or give you lore, which is then translated to xp points. Lovely touch, no placeholder zombies. Cons: - End game content is kinda short and disappointing. After you reach the final zone events unfold rapidly and there are like 3 quests. - Not enough side exploration. I really love old pre war bunkers, old world tech and mysteries. Unfortunately, this aspect of the game is kinda lacking

Awesome sequel with some improvements. The weapon upgrade system and power armor are great additions. Also many skills are more useful and there are a lot more possibilities to progress through the game compared to ATOM RPG, where your best option was the biggest gun and a bit of speech. Trudograd is a better actual RPG experience you could say. The text sections are a nice touch and really reminded me of multiple choice books I used to read. I liked the first one a bit better. More captivating atmosphere, better story that really surprised me towards the end, more companion options, a base you can upgrade and free roaming on the world map compared to following premade paths. That is subjective of course and it still is a must play if you liked the first ATOM RPG. Some locations seem like they are setup for future addons. I will do at least another playthrough if they add new content. Oh yea, visit the secret room in the brothel at the Trudograd docks, I still have to laugh when I think about it.

These are great times for cRPG gamers! And it's the indie studios releasing games that make me come back for more...in this case: Trudograd. For gamers who loved cRPGs and especially the ones in a post apocalyptic setting, this is a no-brainer: buy it! This is a must have for RPG enthusiasts! And as a side note: 11€ for this game is a steal, i bought the supporters pack, too, because it felt right.